Manager, Database Engineering

About 3E:

We are a mission-driven company with the purpose to enable a safer, more sustainable world!

3E provides a comprehensive suite of data, analytics, and software solutions for enabling and improving workplace & chemical safety, product stewardship, supply chain management and sustainability. With over 35 years of experience, and 15 locations across North America, Europe, and Asia, 3E helps more than 5,000 customers in various sectors to achieve safety, sustainability, and speed to market.

Are you ready to shape the future? Come join us! 

About the Role:

The Manager, Database Engineering is a key operational and strategic leader, responsible for all global database management activities at 3E. Reporting to the CTO, this role bridges technical vision with execution—delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance database solutions that power our AI-first future.

You will lead the transformation of 3E’s database ecosystem by aligning people, processes, and platforms to enable intelligent data management, automation, and real-time decision-making. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives at the intersection of innovation, operational rigor, and cross-functional collaboration.

Location: We prefer candidates in the Bethesda, Maryland or Canton, Ohio areas, but are open to remote candidates in the Eastern time zone.  

What You'll Do

• Database Operations & Service Management

• Oversee global database administration to ensure uptime, performance, and data security.

• Implement observability frameworks (dashboards, alerts, anomaly detection, incident response) to support service reliability and transparency.

• Maintain SLAs, SLOs, and clear escalation processes to support operational excellence.

• 
  
  

• Operational Leadership

• Manage day-to-day database engineering, including performance tuning, backups, disaster recovery, and new solution design.

• Align database operations with organizational technology priorities and enterprise-wide standards.

• 
  
  

• AI-First Database Transformation

• Champion the adoption of AI/ML in database optimization, automation, anomaly detection, and intelligent workflows.

• Promote proactive, data-driven operations and continuous learning through innovation.

• 
  
  

• Execution & Delivery Management

• Lead the end-to-end execution of a global database transformation roadmap.

• Oversee engineering strategy, cloud-native modernization, platform migration, and data governance.

• Take hands-on ownership of escalations, fostering a culture of urgency, accountability, and learning.

• 
  
  

• Agile & Lean Governance

• Apply agile methodologies, OKRs, and lean practices to drive delivery, transparency, and continuous improvement.

• Monitor KPIs like uptime, latency, and capacity utilization to guide operational decisions.

• 
  
  

• Process & Cost Optimization

• Standardize operations through documentation, SOPs, and automation frameworks.

• Drive efficiency and cost control using cloud optimization tools, forecasting models, and real-time monitoring.

• 
  
  

• Cross-Functional Partnership

• Act as a strategic partner between database engineering and business functions (Product, Content, Legal, HR, Finance, Support).

• Ensure alignment across technical initiatives and enterprise-wide priorities.

• 
  
  

• Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing, globally distributed database team.

• Foster a psychologically safe, inclusive, and growth-oriented culture that values feedback and development.

• 
  
  

• Communication & Change Leadership

• Serve as the voice of database transformation across the organization.

• Ensure consistent, transparent communication to promote understanding, engagement, and adoption of new processes and tools.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• A strong background in database engineering and administration, with at least 5 years of leadership experience managing global teams and complex infrastructure.

• Proficiency across SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).

• Experience with large-scale database environments, performance tuning, disaster recovery, and automation.

• A passion for modernizing database operations using agile, lean, and AI/ML practices.

• A collaborative, outcome-oriented mindset with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and communicate with clarity at all levels.

• 
  
  

• Bonus if you have:

• Hands-on experience with AI/ML-powered tuning, anomaly detection, and intelligent data workflows.

• Exposure to regulated environments or data-intensive industries like SaaS, RegTech, or digital products.

• Familiarity with compliance standards such as GDPR, SOC 2, or ISO 27001.

You’ll Thrive Here If You

• Drive Change & Transformation through strategic execution and proactive alignment with key stakeholders—bringing others along on the journey.

• Champion Operational Excellence by applying rigor, accountability, and metrics-driven practices that elevate performance across global database operations.

• Motivate & Collaborate with high-performing teams, inspiring innovation and building trust across functions, time zones, and cultures.

• Think Strategically and align technical initiatives with 3E’s broader technology vision and long-term goals.

• Lead with Open-mindedness & Courage, embracing new technologies, fostering continuous improvement, and encouraging experimentation.

• Embrace continuous change and act with urgency and ownership in a high-growth, AI-first environment.

• Seek out diverse perspectives and create a culture of inclusivity, transparency, and learning.

Pay Transparency:

The anticipated salary range for this position is $130,000-$150,000 per year. The final offer will depend on several factors, including the successful candidate’s skills, depth of work experience, location, and relevant licenses/ qualifications. Each offer is determined based on individual strengths and relevant business considerations.

In addition to the base salary, certain roles may qualify for a performance-based incentive and/or equity, with eligibility depending on the position. These rewards are based on a combination of company performance and individual achievements.

Our US Benefits Include:

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance and disability coverage

Generous PTO accrual and paid parental leave

401(k) plan with company matching

Employee assistance program

Voluntary supplemental benefits (Accident, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness)

Disclosures:

3E is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. 3E is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. For applicants who would like to request accommodation please send an email to recruiting@hr.3eco.com

Visit us at https://www.3eco.com/ 

Follow us at https://www.linkedin.com/company/3e-safer-world/

Privacy Policy and Candidate Privacy Notice

Agencies: 3E is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at 3E via email, the Internet, or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of 3E. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by 3E because of the referral or through other means.